WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven, R-ND, and Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., have introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Shadow Wolves Improvement Act – legislation to provide additional career mobility opportunities to Shadow Wolves law enforcement officers and expand the program to the northern border.

Shadow Wolves are a tactical patrol unit within the Department of Homeland Security made up of members from various Native American tribes. The unit patrols the 76-mile stretch of land that the Tohono O’odham Nation shares with Mexico, and members are known for their ability to track drug traffickers.

In 2022, Hoeven and Sinema introduced and successfully passed into law legislation classifying the Shadow Wolves unit as special agents, allowing them to better patrol, investigate, interdict and secure the southern border, while requiring a plan to expand the program to other parts of the United States, including the northern border.

“Border security is national security, and strengthening the Shadow Wolves program is one of the many ways we are working to deploy the personnel, infrastructure and technology needed to ensure we can restore and maintain operational control of the border,” Hoeven said. “Shadow Wolves agents do a tremendous job protecting against drug trafficking in Indian County. As we work to expand this program, including up to the northern border, it is critical we can recruit, train and retain qualified individuals in this initiative. That’s exactly what this legislation will help accomplish.”

“Public safety, particularly drug and human trafficking, continue to be a priority for Indian Country. These issues are uniquely difficult for tribal communities, like the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, who are located along the U.S. border,” said Jamie Azure, chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. “The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act is an additional tool within the law enforcement toolbox that will help.”

U.S. Sens. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and James Lankford, R-Okla., are original cosponsors of the legislation in the Senate. A companion to the bill is being introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Mark Green, R-Tenn., and Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y.